Harbaugh, Carroll battle in sound bites

Four days after the 49ers‘ knockdown, drag-out 13-6 win over the Seahawks, the hits kept coming Monday.

This time, the combatants were the coaches.

Familiar rivals Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll had a back-and-forth through the media inspired by comments the 49ers coach made Friday about what he deemed to be too-physical play by the Seahawks cornerbacks.

In a radio interview in Seattle on Monday morning, Carroll took a few digs in response by referencing some stats: The 49ers wide receivers had six catches for 63 yards on 14 targets, and tight end Vernon Davis was held without a catch for the first time since 2008.

“I’m surprised that he felt like their receivers were so overwhelmed,” Carroll said. “I thought our guys did a good job. There’s always going to be some calls that you can look at, but our guys played good, solid, hard football. Vernon Davis didn’t get the ball and their receivers didn’t do much, Randy (Moss) got one (catch), so I’m sure there’s a little frustration there on their part.”

A few hours later, Harbaugh chuckled when asked about his receivers being “overwhelmed.”

“I think you pretty much know that we’re from the sticks-and-stones school approach,” Harbaugh said. “Calling us names isn’t going to hurt us.”

There was more. Carroll feigned confusion when initially asked about Harbaugh’s comments. They came a week after Harbaugh said Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride was attempting to “influence officiating” by claiming 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith routinely held offensive linemen.

“I think it was, wasn’t it just a couple weeks ago when they were talking about not doing things like that – the Giants, Kevin Gilbride, or something like that?” Carroll said. “I thought there was something about that, you know, where we don’t go out and express our concerns and all.”

A few hours later, Harbaugh said there was a difference between his comments and those of Gilbride, whose remarks were unsolicited. Harbaugh said he was following standard protocol in responding to a question about Seattle’s cornerbacks.

“No, I don’t think so,” Harbaugh said when asked about a possible parallel with Gilbride. “Any time you ask me about anything, the officiating from a game, a previous game or an upcoming game, there’s a way we’ve been instructed to handle that. And that is to not criticize the officiating and to address any concerns, and also anything you want clarification of, or interpretation with, with the officials in New York.”

Whatever the case, the back-and-forth added more fuel to a budding NFC West rivalry between teams featuring standout defenses, elite running backs and fiercely competitive coaches.

The 49ers’ next game is at division opponent Arizona on Monday night, but the contest circled on countless calendars is their visit to Seattle on Dec. 23.

Briefly: Running back Frank Gore (bruised ribs) and wide receiver Mario Manningham (shoulder) both practiced. Manningham missed last week’s game but has maintained he will return against Arizona. Gore said he’s feeling much better after he had difficulty breathing and had to sleep sitting up after the win over Seattle. He expects to play against the Cardinals.